Maniac questionnaire Name Michael Hagen Maniac # 705 How many marathons / ultra marathons have you run? Fourteen Marathons What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance) I think it was called The Run for the Border 10K in 2000, which ran through North Dakota, USA and Manitoba, Canada. That is what started it all. What was the first marathon you ever ran? What year did you run it? Did you have fun that day? Marine Corps Marathon, 2003, I did not have as much fun as I thought I would. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running? I started running in 1997 to lose weight. Why did you decide to become a Maniac? Or what inspired you? I wanted to see how far I could push myself. Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Antarctica. If you could run a marathon / ultra accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Dean Karnazes, what an inspiration to the sport. What was you most memorable marathon and why? Swan Lake, SD. I was with great friends and it was a beautiful country course. Where else can you run by herds of sheep and cattle, while dodging in between fields of corn? If someone asked you to pick a race for him or her that they could run a PR at, which race would you suggest? I would say one where you are most at ease with the surroundings. What was the furthest you’ve ever traveled for a race? Fargo, ND to Washington DC….1400 miles. Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? What are some of their comments to you? My Dad’s comment makes me laugh the most, “You never see a runner on the streets smiling.” This is partially true when you drive around town. I make sure to sport the biggest smile when it is photo time at a marathon. If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many marathons would you run in one year? I think around 24. From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? The USAF Marathon, it was a great medal with an F-111 Stealth Fighter on it. AWESOME!!! Where do you keep your finisher medals? I keep them on a coat hanger in the closet. Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? I wear most of them. I would like to make a quilt one day. If you could put on a marathon anywhere in the world, where would you have it? Thinking about this, I think it would be really cool to hold one on the bottom of the ocean floor wearing SCUBA gear. Maniac Yellow, or Maniac Black? Maniac Yellow…Here I come. What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? Prerace, a good steak or chicken breast. Postrace…BEER, hands down. What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? I like the raspberry GU, and orange Pedialyte. Which race would you never run again and why? I’m really getting turned off by the Twin Cities Marathon, especially after the Cliff Pace Team runner decided to run 6:45’s in a 7:15 division and almost killed me, and this year of hot weather and a $30 parking ticket while picking up my packet. What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why? Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon. A group of us competed in the Military Light Division, consisting of a camelback and full military uniform, the blisters were intense, but well worth shaking the hands of the survivors. What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? I usually run around 45-55 miles a week with some weight lifting. I’m just starting to rediscover my bike. Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? My Yellow Lab, Diesel, or my daughter in her stroller. What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? I train and race in the Pearl Izumi Synchro Guide. What are your short-term running goals? Get over this hamstring injury. What are your long-term running goals? Continue running for life. An ultra would also be cool. Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run marathons? Family, Family, Family. Who is your favorite Super Hero? Superman, Wonder Woman, Main Maniac (with cat on head) |